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Dolphins PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Bills

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44), linebacker David Long Jr. (11) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) attempt to bring down Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Chop Robinson (44), linebacker David Long Jr. (11) and linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) attempt to bring down Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

Just about everything went wrong for the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night. While they actually out-gained the Buffalo Bills, 351 total yards to 247, the Dolphins turned the ball over seven times when you include four unsuccessful fourth down tries.

With great field position and plenty of opportunities for easy points, the Bills cruised to a 31-10 win that moved them to first place in the AFC East, a familiar spot for Buffalo in recent seasons.

For the Dolphins, the greater concern is the concussion suffered by Tua Tagovailoa that looms large for the franchise's future. But the team's abysmal showing against the Bills didn't offer much reason for optimism even if the quarterback can make a prompt return.

Here's what Pro Football Focus thought of the performances of Dolphins players on Thursday:

5 best grades on offense

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane (28) scores a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
  1. RB De'Von Achane: 76.0

  2. TE Jonnu Smith: 73.3

  3. LT Kendall Lamm: 73.2

  4. C Aaron Brewer: 72.6

  5. TE Julian Hill: 69.8

5 worst grades on offense

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (19) looks for a passing option against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins quarterback Skylar Thompson (19) looks for a passing option against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
  1. RT Austin Jackson: 27.2

  2. FB Alec Ingold: 41.7

  3. QB Skylar Thompson: 43.9

  4. TE Durham Smythe: 47.6

  5. QB Tua Tagovailoa: 48.0

5 best grades on defense

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) pressures Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks (20) pressures Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
  1. LB Jordyn Brooks: 92.2

  2. OLB Chop Robinson: 83.1

  3. DL Zach Sieler: 74.3

  4. S Marcus Maye: 73.2

  5. CB Kendall Fuller: 71.1

5 worst grades on defense

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs for a touchdown past Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) runs for a touchdown past Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland (8) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
  1. CB Kader Kohou: 37.2

  2. OLB Jaelan Phillips: 41.0

  3. S Jevon Holland: 51.8

  4. DL Calais Campbell: 52.8

  5. S Jordan Poyer: 55.1

Other notables

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) makes a catch against Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. (11) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Khalil Shakir (10) makes a catch against Miami Dolphins linebacker David Long Jr. (11) during the second quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
  • LB David Long Jr: 61.8

  • WR Tyreek Hill: 58.5

  • RB Jaylen Wright: 57.4

  • CB Jalen Ramsey: 55.7

  • LG Robert Jones: 50.2

This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: Dolphins PFF grades: Best and worst performers vs. Bills